Gully Boy and Kalank (2019): Hail the Underdogs!
Five minutes into the movie, I got bored.
Too late now. Let's move on.
Too late now. Let's move on.
Roop's (Alia) forced happiness was evident by her extra-stretched smile. The entire storyline was a no-brainer. The austere looking Satya (Sonakshi) who is dying a slow death seeks to ensure her husband (Dev, another cliched name in Hindi cinema) finds new love in her absence. Roop who is decked in all glory agrees to marry for the sake of her two sisters (so hard to believe they need that money), who will be taken care of, thanks to the big fat wedding into a wealthy family. Her marriage is loveless and clearly proclaimed by Dev (yawn). Roop, is someone who challenges the norm. She dares to learn music from the eerily graceful Bahaar Begum (Madhuri, pancaked) who lives in the forbidden part of the town (there are red lights, blink). She has given birth to her wrath, a woman scorned, to Zafar (a six-pack blacksmith who is after revenge and sleeps with every woman in town; of course, not Roop).
Roop falls in love with Zafar, as she finds an excuse to write for Dev's newspaper in search of stories (Use "Lux Sabun", Roop says, making an interesting entry into the male arena when they are locked for ideas-seriously?)
Zafar works with his fellow Muslims, who are blacksmiths by trade, led by Abdul (a brilliant performance by Kunal Khemu). With the tide shifting both politically and emotionally, the story runs it usual course except now Abdul, who is now scorned when Zafar lets go of his goal, is out for Zafar's blood.
Kunal was the surprise package, the underdog who stood out in that bevy of stars, who had nothing of substance to offer. Surprisingly, this black horse has not been a part of the promotions or the marketing. The opulence in the sets, as striking it was overshadowed the already weak story. I had nothing to look forward to throughout the movie, not even the much anticipated chemistry between Roop and Zafar.
Roop falls in love with Zafar, as she finds an excuse to write for Dev's newspaper in search of stories (Use "Lux Sabun", Roop says, making an interesting entry into the male arena when they are locked for ideas-seriously?)
Zafar works with his fellow Muslims, who are blacksmiths by trade, led by Abdul (a brilliant performance by Kunal Khemu). With the tide shifting both politically and emotionally, the story runs it usual course except now Abdul, who is now scorned when Zafar lets go of his goal, is out for Zafar's blood.
Kunal was the surprise package, the underdog who stood out in that bevy of stars, who had nothing of substance to offer. Surprisingly, this black horse has not been a part of the promotions or the marketing. The opulence in the sets, as striking it was overshadowed the already weak story. I had nothing to look forward to throughout the movie, not even the much anticipated chemistry between Roop and Zafar.
On the other hand, Gully Boy had me wide-eyed, tuned into every move and every dialogue by each carefully sculpted character. It was my first brush with the underground rap scene in India. I never really enjoyed that genre. But, this is what I love about the magic of cinema -- A well-thought out plot executed to perfection by a cast that believes in their individual stories and delivers a magnificent performance, leaving its viewers spellbound and perspectives altered forever.
M C Sher, played by the uber-confident Siddhant Chaturvedi has bowled everyone across India. His piercing eyes, baritone voice, and delivery was stupendous. Taking on an older, seasoned actor like Ranveer (Murad), who is known for his intense preparation is not a simple feat. M C Sher is now a household name, the true Gully Boy of the movie. His roar is hard to ignore.
Surprisingly, Murad is hardly a name anyone remembers. He looked uncomfortable throughout - someone who has still not broken out of his shell even when Murad lives his dream in the final showdown where he takes the stage. When you see M C Sher coming at you with that raw energy, pain, and determination to break-free, it is impossible to miss that vibe.
Safeena, played by Alia is a natural actor, but period dramas are not her thing, atleast not Kalank. It turned out to be a kalank in her spotless career replete with memorable performances like Highway, Udta Punjab, and Raazi.
Surprisingly, Murad is hardly a name anyone remembers. He looked uncomfortable throughout - someone who has still not broken out of his shell even when Murad lives his dream in the final showdown where he takes the stage. When you see M C Sher coming at you with that raw energy, pain, and determination to break-free, it is impossible to miss that vibe.
Safeena, played by Alia is a natural actor, but period dramas are not her thing, atleast not Kalank. It turned out to be a kalank in her spotless career replete with memorable performances like Highway, Udta Punjab, and Raazi.
The interesting connect in both movies is the underdog who shines, one quietly and the other with a fierceness of a lion. The hero is pushed to the background as just another nameless character. The lady shines in Gully Boy while the ladies of Kalank are overbearing.
While Kalank will be remembered for its poorly executed, run of the mill story, wasted on good actors who had limited room for developing their character, Gully Boy will be etched in time for its unique story about everyday people fighting everyday wars, fighting to keep their dream alive, and better still, go on to live it.
While Kalank will be remembered for its poorly executed, run of the mill story, wasted on good actors who had limited room for developing their character, Gully Boy will be etched in time for its unique story about everyday people fighting everyday wars, fighting to keep their dream alive, and better still, go on to live it.
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